Commentary on the Book of Jude

The Book of Jude is a short but powerful letter in the New Testament, consisting of only 25 verses. It's believed to be written by Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. The letter addresses the issue of false teachers infiltrating the church and encourages believers to contend for the faith.

Verses 1-2: Greeting and Blessing

Jude introduces himself and addresses his audience, offering a blessing of mercy, peace, and love.

1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. (Jude 1-2, KJV)

This introduction establishes Jude's authority and sets a tone of pastoral care for his readers.

Verses 3-4: The Reason for Writing

Jude explains that he felt compelled to write about the need to contend for the faith due to the presence of ungodly people who have crept into the church.

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 3-4, KJV)

This verse highlights the letter's main purpose: to encourage believers to actively defend the true faith against corruption.

Verses 5-7: Historical Examples of God's Judgment

Jude provides three examples from history to illustrate God's judgment on the unfaithful: the Israelites in the wilderness, the fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah.

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 5-7, KJV)

These examples serve as warnings about the consequences of rebellion and immorality.

Verses 8-13: Description of the False Teachers

Jude vividly describes the character and behavior of the false teachers, using strong language and metaphors.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. (Jude 8-13, KJV)

These colorful descriptions emphasize the destructive nature of the false teachers and their ultimate futility.

Verses 14-16: Enoch's Prophecy and Further Description

Jude quotes a prophecy attributed to Enoch and further describes the grumblers and fault-finders.

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (Jude 14-16, KJV)

This section reinforces the certainty of judgment on the ungodly and adds weight to Jude's warnings.

Verses 17-23: Exhortation to the Faithful

Jude encourages the believers to remember the apostles' predictions, build themselves up in faith, and show mercy to others.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 17-23, KJV)

This passage provides practical advice for maintaining faith and helping others in the face of false teaching.

Verses 24-25: Doxology

The letter concludes with a powerful doxology, praising God for His ability to keep believers from falling.

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24-25, KJV)

This closing reminder of God's power and glory ends the letter on a note of hope and worship.

Key Themes and Significance

Jude's letter provides insight into the challenges faced by early Christian communities and offers guidance that remains relevant for churches dealing with doctrinal and moral issues today.

Conclusion

The Book of Jude, though one of the shortest books in the New Testament, delivers a powerful message about the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity in the face of corrupt influences. Its vivid imagery, stern warnings, and encouraging exhortations combine to create a letter that continues to speak to the challenges faced by Christian communities in every age.